Chase vodka in the chase for F1 sponsorship

NEWS STORY13/12/2012

On Monday Pitpass' business editor Christian Sylt revealed that Formula One's boss Bernie Ecclestone is in talks with a telecoms sponsor and a vodka company about becoming the sport's official spirit. Our article used the title 'F1 chasing telecoms and vodka sponsors' and this was no accident.

Wednesday's Daily Telegraph reported that entrepreneur William Chase is negotiating with Ecclestone about signing an F1 sponsorship deal with his Chase Vodka brand. It is reportedly part of a plan to "assist with international expansion efforts," as Chase Vodka rebrands as Great Chase to emphasise its links with Great Britain.

If the deal goes ahead it will be F1's second alcohol sponsor after Mumm champagne which is sprayed on the podium at most races. It is not something which bothers Ecclestone and he told Pitpass "if somebody wants to drink it is up to them."

Day's ahead of his XXth birthday, the Pitpass editor may well take the opportunity to sample a couple.